New Jersey Casino Control Commission
- Founded
- 1977-01-01 in Inn of Trenton, Trenton, New Jersey
- Headquarters
- Arcade Building, Tennessee Avenue & Boardwalk, Atlantic City, NJ 08401, United States
The New Jersey Casino Control Commission (NJCCC) is the independent licensing authority for the state’s casino gaming industry. Established in 1977 under the Casino Control Act, the Commission is responsible for licensing all Atlantic City casinos and their key employees, thereby safeguarding public confidence in the credibility and integrity of New Jersey’s gambling sector. As a quasi‑judicial panel, it also hears appeals from decisions or penalties imposed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE). Headquartered in the historic Arcade Building on the Atlantic City Boardwalk, the Commission is composed of up to three members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, serving staggered five‑year terms with a statutory requirement that no more than two commissioners belong to the same political party. The NJCCC’s role evolved significantly in 2011 when legislation transferred day‑to‑day regulatory functions—such as around‑the‑clock casino floor inspections and employee registration—to the DGE, allowing the Commission to concentrate on high‑level licensing, hearings, and policy. Today, under Chairman James T. Plousis (appointed in December 2017), the Commission continues to oversee the multi‑billion‑dollar gaming market in Atlantic City, including the rapidly expanding online and mobile gaming segments.
Detailed Review
History
The New Jersey Casino Control Commission was created by the Casino Control Act, signed into law by Governor Brendan T. Byrne on June 2, 1977. The agency began operations in two rooms at the Inn of Trenton before moving to temporary offices in West State Street, Trenton. Its first chairman, Joseph P. Lordi, was joined by part‑time commissioners and a small staff tasked with developing regulations from scratch. The first casino—Resorts International—opened under a temporary permit in May 1978, setting a precedent for the Commission’s ability to expedite licensing under pressure.
Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Commission processed dozens of casino proposals and conducted the first full‑license hearing for Resorts, a six‑week proceeding. In 1980, the Abscam scandal led to a commissioner’s resignation and prompted a legislative restructuring that reconstituted the Commission with five full‑time members. Over the following decades, the Commission weathered market booms, the opening of numerous Atlantic City casinos, and the emergence of internet gaming in 2013.
Regulatory Evolution
A landmark change occurred in February 2011 with the signing of Senate Bill 12. This “deregulation” bill eliminated the requirement for Commission inspectors to be present in casinos in real time, transferred responsibility for certifying gaming revenue to the DGE, and gave the DGE authority over employee registration, vendor licensing, and patron complaints. The Commission itself was reduced from five to three members on January 17, 2012.
Today, the NJCCC functions primarily as a licensing and appellate body. It issues casino operating licenses, key‑employee licenses, and conducts hearings on contested license decisions. It also holds public meetings, publishes agendas and minutes, and maintains a robust website providing licensing guides, meeting transcripts, and information for casino job seekers. The Commission’s offices in the Arcade Building include divisions covering finance, regulatory affairs, information technology, licensing, and policy planning.
Despite its reduced operational scope, the Commission remains a critical pillar of New Jersey’s gaming regulatory framework, ensuring that only persons of good character, honesty, and integrity participate in the industry. Its decisions carry significant weight, and its public hearings are broadcast live, reinforcing transparency. The Commission also collaborates with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and maintains partnerships with state and local stakeholders to promote responsible gaming and community investment.
Key Products
Casino Licensing
Issuance and renewal of licenses for Atlantic City’s nine casino resort properties; includes financial background investigations and suitability hearings.
Key Employee Licensing
Licensing of all individuals in positions of authority or influence within casinos (e.g., executives, managers, gaming employees).
Appeals & Hearings
Conducting quasi‑judicial hearings on decisions or penalties by the Division of Gaming Enforcement; issuing final orders and resolutions.
Policy & Rulemaking
Proposing and adopting regulations under the Casino Control Act; publishing guidance for the gaming industry.
Internet Gaming Oversight
While day‑to‑day enforcement rests with the DGE, the Commission retains authority over licensing of online gaming operators and related appeals.
Key Persons
- James T. Plousis
Chairman
- David Scanlan
Chief of Staff
Notable past members
- Michael Pollock — Spokesman / Office of Legislative Liaison